style=”text-align: justify;”>style=”font-family: ‘Trebuchet MS’, Geneva; font-size: 14px;”>Last summer a Blogger Friend asked me: Do Brazilians consider themselves Hispanic? I said, it’s a good question; the answer is no, but your definition of Hispanic includes us in this category, regardless. We are definitely Latinos!
A year passed by and here I see myself debating and having my anger and emotions in turmoil over the same questions, now raising another question: Why don’t Hispanics include Brazilians (BRAZIL) in the category? Why do Latinos exclude us from the Latino Group.
Don’t get me wrong, I will always have my Latin fire while I am alive and my Brazilian spirit will never leave me. It makes me unique and who I am! But lately, things have stirred and woken up my dormant patriotism, let’s say the timid fire is now full blown with a different perspective.
Watching the world cup, the players sing our National Anthem and when the short version stops, the whole stadium singing it until the end, made me cry one day!
The people accusing Brazil to be involved in buying results infuriates me, beyond reason. The uncalled violence against Neymar put me on a verge of saying things I would regret to bloggers I admire, so glad I didn’t cross the line and ignored their comments all over FB! My need to call my sister and Parents, before or after the games to talk about it!
Those are just some examples of how it stirred the the love for my country in me, how it brought me memories of other world cups and how big soccer is in Brazil and in our lives.
It also gave me a sense of separation, since my Hispanic friends are cheering for Spanish speaking teams only, not Brazil! It made me feel less Hispanic and More Brazilian! It shook my identity and beliefs, since I have never felt the separation and segregation as I’ve felt this weekend! “Brazilians are basically on the other side of the fence, we’re not cheering for you” was the message all over FB, a sad but eye opening message, which touched me personally.
This weekend’s experience will not in any way diminish my love and respect for fellow Latina Bloggers and Hispanic FB friends who were sending out those messages. It did give me a broader picture of where I stand and who I am as far as identity. I know the heat of the games and passion involved make people say things they don’t always mean, but this whole experience opened my eyes to who I am. It was my A-HA Latina Moment, this is who I am and there is a real separation between us, at least, when soccer is involved!
It helped me define my personality with more clarity and helped me understand where I stand, but above all, made me homesick, missing my people, my culture and my friends who would share my thoughts and feelings after the game.
My true Latina Colors came out of this experience, giving me stronger confidence and tools to express myself, knowing better where I stand and who I am! It opened that curtain to unveil the unique trendy-latina/” title=”View all articles about Trendy Latina here”>Trendy Latina I am! It also inspired me to share more about our culture, our food, our nation and how close and yet far we are from other Hispanic Countries! Just Fascinating!
Such an amazing and liberating experience! Couldn’t wait to share it all with you! Would love to hear what you think? Are Brazilians Latinos?
Image Credit: Solar Feeds.
Such a great post Claudia. The entire subject of the similarities and differences in being Hispanic and Latina is a really interesting one. I can tell you’re so passionate about it. Adding in the sport factor just amps up the topic I’m sure. People get so enthusiastic (both positively and negatively) when sports are involved. I love hearing your perspective on all of it.
For me it is all about respect. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we are all people who deserve each other’s respect.
But as Debra said, there is nothing like sports, especially soccer which is so big in the world, to get some passions stirred up!
There’s nothing like sports that bring out a person’s loyalty and devotion. I think it gets even stronger when the World Cup is involved! It’s a great thing that your love for your heritage and nation has come out. I never considered Brazilians Hispanic because they speak Portuguese and not Spanish – but I do consider Brazilians Latin!
Well what can I say? Our side of the fence is better?? LOL just kidding!
It’s the soccer fever, the world goes wild (except for America, I wish they join in….they are getting much better though) and we get on the nerves of every country because, as one of my teachers put it : “It’s seems like is always Brazil against of the World!”
But it’s true that we cheer for Hispanic teams. For God sake, a couple of World Cups ago we cheered for Argentina once we we out just to avoid the championship going to Europe! And everyone knows that Brazilians and Argentinians are sworn enemies in and out of soccer games.LOL…
My fellow Latin friends we love you no matter what! 🙂
Yes!!
This piece is raw & honest, I could’ve written it but from a different prospective. Growing up a soccer fan & seeing people’s comment on fb made me feel uneasy as well but above all it gave me a renewed spirit for my culture. Glad you found your peace and can’t wait to follow along on your journey as you share more of your Latin spirit. Sending lots of hugs your way.
Thank you for reading it, Kira, it means a lot to me!